Before the competition began, the general opinion was that 180 would be a par score at most venues but things have panned out differently. Anil Kumble writes.

Before the competition began, the general opinion was that 180 would be a par score at most venues but things have panned out differently. Totals in the region of 140 have been the norm, and teams have successfully defended scores in the low 130s and even in the 120s.

Other than the game where the Mumbai Indians made 200, big scores have been hard to come by, and that has made for an unexpected twist. Gradually, teams are beginning to understand their combinations and wear a more settled look.

We are just one-fifth of the way into the tournament, and I believe the second part of the competition will be critical in that teams will have to ensure that the momentum they have built in the first 10 days is carried forward to the second stage.

That's what we at Mumbai will be focussing on. We have a new team management in place with John Wright as the coach, Ricky Ponting as captain and me as mentor, and I am glad we have settled down quickly.